H.R.2839 - Genome to Phenome Initiative Reauthorization Act of 2025; AG2PI Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.2839, the Genome to Phenome Initiative Reauthorization Act of 2025, aims to reauthorize and extend the Genome to Phenome Initiative by amending the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990. The bill seeks to continue research into the relationship between crop and livestock genomes and phenomes to improve agricultural practices. It was introduced in the House of Representatives on April 10, 2025, and referred to the Committee on Agriculture.
Expected Effects
The reauthorization will extend the initiative's funding and operations through 2030. This will likely lead to continued research and development in agricultural genomics and phenomics, potentially resulting in more resilient and productive agricultural practices. The bill also aims to support a network of researchers and develop promising concepts into full-fledged research projects.
Potential Benefits
- Improved Agricultural Practices: The bill aims to enhance agricultural productivity and resilience by understanding the relationship between genes and traits in crops and livestock.
- Support for Research: It supports a broad network of researchers, including data scientists, engineers, agricultural economists, and social scientists.
- Economic Benefits for Farmers: The research outcomes are intended to help farmers and ranchers improve the profitability of their businesses.
- Sustainable Agriculture: The bill promotes efficient and sustainable agricultural production systems under current and future climate conditions.
- Building on Previous Work: The reauthorization builds on the work of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for Unintended Consequences: Advanced genetic research always carries a small risk of unforeseen ecological or economic consequences.
- Funding Allocation: Resources directed to this initiative might divert funding from other potentially beneficial agricultural programs.
- Dependence on Research Outcomes: The benefits are contingent on the successful translation of research findings into practical applications for farmers.
- Limited Scope: The bill focuses primarily on genomics and phenomics, potentially neglecting other important aspects of agricultural development.
- Accessibility of Benefits: There is a risk that the benefits of the research may not be equally accessible to all farmers, particularly smaller or disadvantaged operations.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the general welfare clause of the Constitution, as it aims to improve agricultural practices and support farmers, potentially contributing to a more stable and prosperous nation. Specifically, the preamble states the intention to "promote the general Welfare." Article I, Section 8, Clause 1 grants Congress the power to lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts, and excises, to pay the debts and provide for the common defense and general welfare of the United States.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).